Why use Methyl tert-butyl ether in the organic chemistry lab when separating compounds?
separating WHAT compounds and how? as a solvent? It has a low boiling point and isn't very reactive, generally, but there may be other specific reasons depending upon the compounds being separated.
When it comes to separating compounds in an organic chemistry lab, Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is often used as a solvent. MTBE has several properties that make it suitable for this purpose.
Firstly, MTBE has a low boiling point, which means it can easily evaporate and be separated from other compounds. This can be advantageous in processes like distillation or evaporation, where the goal is to isolate a particular compound from a mixture. Additionally, MTBE is relatively volatile, which can aid in the separation process.
Furthermore, MTBE is not very reactive. It doesn't readily undergo chemical reactions with most organic compounds, allowing for a clean separation without unwanted side reactions. This is particularly important when working with sensitive or fragile compounds that may be susceptible to chemical changes.
It's worth noting that the choice of solvent, including MTBE, depends on the specific compounds being separated. Different solvents have different polarities and miscibilities with various compounds, so the selection is often made based on the solubility characteristics and compatibility of the compounds involved.
In summary, MTBE is commonly used in organic chemistry labs for separating compounds due to its low boiling point, volatility, and non-reactivity. However, the exact reasons for its use may vary depending on the specific compounds and separation techniques being employed.